What is trauma?

Please note, PTSD & CPTSD can only be diagnosed by a Consultant Psychiatrist, but once diagnosed can be treated by suitably qualified psychological therapists. Many people experience distressing events leading to trauma symptoms short of a PTSD/CPTSD diagnosis. They may still benefit from trauma informed therapy, even if they do not have a formal diagnosis.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and CPTSD (Complex PTSD) are distinct but related conditions.
PTSD is diagnosed when a person has experienced a traumatic event that is exceptionally threatening or catastrophic and experiences:

• Persistent re-experiencing ( flashbacks)

• Avoidance of circumstances that remind them
of the stressor

• Increased psychological & physical sensitivity (hyperarousal) or an inability to recall important aspects of the trauma memory (dissociation/amnesia).

Symptoms usually manifest within 6 months of the trauma, although a delayed onset is sometimes possible, for example, a road traffic collision may trigger PTSD related to an earlier traumatic event.

CPTSD requires meeting the criteria for PTSD plus:

• Intense prolonged emotional distress, difficulty regulating emotions and mood instability

• Perceiving oneself as worthless, defeated or
less than

• Trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships, including difficulty with intimacy, trust and communication

CPTSD is often associated with more chronic or repeated trauma, particularly interpersonal trauma like violence, abuse and neglect taking place over a long period of time.

CPTSD usually requires a more long term treatment approach than PTSD.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing - a powerful psychological therapy originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a complex discipline and should only be practised by qualified and highly experienced therapists.

What does EMDR involve?

EMDR helps people to process traumatic memories so that they are no longer disturbing. The eye movements in EMDR therapy appear to help the brain to do this processing in much the same way as they help process the day’s experiences during sleep.

EMDR therapy also helps people to explore how they think about past traumas and how to make sense of them. The ultimate aim of EMDR is to reduce the disturbance generated by traumatic memories so that people can live their lives more fully.

Research shows that EMDR is effective in treating a diverse range of psychological trauma. Survivors of armed conflict, childhood abuse and neglect, natural disasters, assault, road-traffic and workplace accidents have all reported recovery and improved wellbeing as a result of EMDR therapy.

EMDR is also increasingly helping people to manage other psychological issues ranging from depression to performance anxiety. It has been found to be of benefit to children as well as adults.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

What can I expect?

I use an approach I call Relational EMDR. It combines EMDR with an awareness of each person’s attachment style and the importance of healthy relating.

After an initial consultation, if we decide that this approach is the right one for you, you are taken through the 8 phase G.R.O.U.N.D.E.D. process. You can attend sessions whilst running your busy professional life, no need to take long periods of time off. Your sessions can fit around your lifestyle, although a regular commitment has been shown to improve outcomes.

Here are the 8 phases:

G. Getting to know you (history taking and treatment planning).

R. Resourcing & Psychoeducation (learning about PTSD & building coping skills)

O. Organising Targets (identifying which trauma to process first)

U. Unblocking the trauma (desensitisation /active trauma processing)

N. Nurturing new beliefs (installing positive self -perceptions)

D. Deep body awareness (body scan to ensure somatic release)

E. Ending with safety (closure to support between sessions)

D. Double-checking progress (re-evaluation of past, present and future triggers)

Are you in crisis?

If you are in severe distress or require emergency care please contact your GP/ NHS 111 or :

Cheshire Crisis Team:
0800 145 6485

Staffordshire Crisis Team:
0800 0328 728

If you are located elsewhere in the UK, search the Mental Health Crisis team for your area. Most areas now offer a 24 hour crisis line

For further advice on how to manage a mental health crisis you can continue reading the 'coping in a crisis' section below. You can also view my support videos by following the button below.

Coping in a crisis

Researchers studying resilience and recovery have identified five principles that are key to supporting people after traumatic incidents (Hobfoll et al 2007)...these principles are:

1) Building a sense of safety.

Are you and your family and/or loved ones physically safe? Building safety reduces biological arousal and distress even if it is only relative safety.

If you are in a situation of domestic violence then call the National Domestic Violence 24 Hour Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for advice.

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Making yourself and those you care about physically safe is the most effective and powerful short term intervention you can make after a serious incident.

2) Calming.

It is normal for the body to react to a crisis by going into a heightened state of arousal, increased heart rate, rapid breathing etc. Some people go into shock and 'blank out' for a while. Other symptoms include stomach tightening, feeling cold, trembling, crying or laughing. All of these responses are normal.

In order to stay calm...stay 'grounded'...sit on a chair and just notice your breathing for a few minutes, if you want to, hug yourself as you feel your body on the chair. If you are able to go for a walk then gentle exercise is very helpful. Contact with nature or a much loved pet may also be soothing. Avoid watching the news or sharing 'horror stories' which can increase the 'pressure cooker' effect (when people heighten the sense of crisis and danger) and make it difficult, especially for children, to realise that the crisis is over. If you cannot sleep or are suffering signs of extreme stress then see your GP.

3) Building a sense of self and community efficacy.

It helps to keep to the basic rhythms of life- mealtimes, washing, bedtimes. If you can go to work then do so and get the children back to school as soon as possible. Success in simple tasks, like making and sharing breakfast, builds a feeling of optimism and a sense that together we can overcome the crisis. Set small achievable goals dedicated to keeping routines going.

4) Fostering connectedness.

Stay in contact with safe friends and family. Whilst 'horror stories' can be counterproductive, evidence shows it is very healing for people to be together with others at times of crisis to talk about things in a constructive way, to problem solve and to give and receive comfort. Older children can be encouraged to keep an eye on younger children and teenagers can 'buddy up' with a peer. This is particularly important as teenagers may not discuss their worries with a parent.

If you feel you need professional help then see your GP and ask for a referral to NHS psychological support or make an appointment with a properly trained psychotherapist or counsellor in private practice.

5) Fostering hope.

Serious incidents can shatter people's faith in human nature or even their whole world view. However, the body can recover from a severe psychological trauma in only 4 weeks given the right environment. For those with a spiritual faith it is important to make time for prayer or meditation. Many people act very kindly after serious incidents. It is important to know that people do recover from the most terrible circumstances to rebuild their lives.

"Women are like teabags;you never know how strong they are until they're put in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt (Please note this also applies to men)

Guided videos

You can also watch my guided videos available on the publications page. These videos talk you through helpful exercises for when you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis. Click the button below to go to the guided support videos.